When we navigate grief or loss, we may find ourselves feeling guilty when we smile or have a good day. It’s common to get stuck in the darkness of this journey as you ride the waves of emotions and confusion that play out.
The purpose of humor in grief is not to diminish the seriousness of that loss, but rather, to allow us to experience a version of balance in grief as we feel sorrow and joy crashing together. Humor intersects with grief in a special way and can play an important role in healing.
When we laugh, smile or have positive thoughts, endorphins are released into our body that energize us and help us to feel good—even if for just a moment. These endorphins can help us navigate both the physical and the emotional elements of our grief.
When we share stories and memories with laughter and joy, we bring people together into more joyous shared spaces by reviving bits of a past that might be missed otherwise.
When humor enters grief in appropriate ways, it disrupts our darkness and helps us feel and see the whole spectrum. It allows pockets of light to peek through the dark clouds… and reminds us of love and hope, even in the storm.
BEREAVEMENT NETWORK OF HAWAI‘I
Facilitated by KŌKUA MAU (nonprofit)
808-585-9977 | kokuamau.org
kokuamau.org/grief-and-bereavement
Learn more about grief and the healing process with this booklet:
Help For The Bereaved—The Healing Journey
kokuamau.org/wp-content/uploads/CtrOnAging-Booklet-5-REV_6-30-11.pdf
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